Piha Rescue started its lifespan with filming commencing for the first time in the summer of 2001, followed by a one-hour documentary airing December 2002 (aired as Piha Patrol); making it the first reality show in the world following lifeguards.

In 2003 the first series screened on Television New Zealand followed by a further ten; with the final (12th) series screened on Prime in 2016 and 2017.[3] Screened in New Zealand as Piha Rescue, it has also been sold around the world under various titles, such as Deadly Surf and Surf Rescue.